they're among the leaders the obama administration is turning to for advice on everything from the deficit to taxes to the broader economy. >>> then, after we talk to them, they're going to paint a picture for us, we're going to turn to two powerful investors for insight into what the conversation in washington means for the broader markets. cowen and company ceo jeff solomon will join us, and the bond king, bill gross. first, steve will bring us up to speed on the morning's top stories. steve? >> thank you, michelle. disney posting better than expected earnings and revenues after the bell. the company says it expects the next few quarters to be better on a stronger lineup of films and growing attendance at its theme parks. ceo bob iegory was on cnbc's "closing bell." >> you had a lot of ins and outs. basically, the trendser good. we had strong results at our domestic parks. the bookings have been pretty solid. advertising was okay. and generally speaking, our business performed well. and our interactive media group was profitable for the quarter. that's the first time the group has been p